Skylight Building Code Expertise
Hi – following up on an earlier post re skylights, I’m trying to understand the code requirements for glazing of skylights over shafts and stairwells. The code reads “(2) GLAZING. – a. Skylights over stairways and shafts. – Skylights placed over stairways and shafts shall be glazed with plain glass not more than one-eighth inch…
Hi – following up on an earlier post re skylights, I’m trying to understand the code requirements for glazing of skylights over shafts and stairwells. The code reads “(2) GLAZING. –
a. Skylights over stairways and shafts. – Skylights
placed over stairways and shafts shall be glazed with
plain glass not more than one-eighth inch thick or
unreinforced plastic not more than three-sixteenths of
an inch thick.”.
I have two single-pane pyramid skylights there and want to replace them ideally with fixed, flat double-paned glass ones. The original venting uses are probably not as important anymore, but I don’t understand whether the code prohibits the installation of those ones. Can anyone help me understand what’s allowed? Thanks
Followup: went to see the guys at superior tinsmith and they told me that according to code, youi can only use the pyramid skylight. Venting is required if that is the only way the area could get fresh air (as well as venting the ‘cock-loft’). Thanks again for all your input!
Thanks Pig Three and Masterbuilder! I will check out the tinsmith guys when I get the chance. Also, Pig Three – I agree with the wired glass comment. All the ones I have seen (my neighbors, etc.) are all wired. Surely that can’t be against code. I pulled that directly from the dept of buildings website…
also, I have yet to see an old sky light without wire glass which is against the code you posted
In some cases these were meant to vent the heat out of the (cock) loft and were sealed by stain glass or other glass from the main part of the house as to let just the light through. the venting for fire code or glass requirements again for fire code are a different issue. There must be some updated way of dealing with venting as in the case of passive houses were there is some sort of makeup air.
Ask the guys at Superior Tinsmith in the Slope. They make them. And they are a vendor for other flat skylights manufactured by others. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and talk to them in person.
http://www.superiortinsmith.com/gallery.nxg#skylights
hi Bikerboy –
Thanks for your comments. So the property is a 2-family townhouse, with a top duplex. The first skylight is above the stairwell, and just brings light (and unfortunately occasional rain/snow and draft). The second skylight is over an old air/lightshaft, which again provides mostly light (rooms are ventilated through separate skylight on the top floor and lower floor is open plan living room so with windows). I’ll take a look at the multiple dwelling law, but I suspect it is technically not applicable…
how are these spaces ventilated if not by the shaft? Do they have windows onto streets? Are they kitchens and baths with exhaust fans? Ventilation is good! Most often, codes require it. Check NYS Multiple dwelling law and NYC Housing Maintenace Code – these say more than any of the building codes